Two former Parramatta Eels players are accused of harbouring semi-automatic weapons and possessing more than half-a-million dollars in cash after dramatic arrests in Sydney's Centennial Park yesterday.

Fire at illegal Melbourne tip may be toxic

A fire at a large illegal tip in Melbourne where toxic fumes are affecting nearby residents was an accident waiting to happen because operators stockpiled tonnes of rubbish in exchange for money, the local council says.

Firefighters have issued a "watch and act" warning as smoke from the fire at an abandoned rubbish tip in Somerton begins to impact homes.

The pile, which is about 100 metres wide and 10 metres high, was well alight when firefighters arrived at Patullos Lane on Friday.